On Monday, the Mohawks received a letter from Canadian Public Safety Prime Minister Peter VanLoan, stating the policy fulfills a pledge the Conservative government made to arm all 4,800 of its officers by 2016.

“This is a campaign promise they made,” said Brendan White, communications director for the Mohawk Council. “They are going to implement the policy, and it will be overseen by the CBSA.”

Council Grand Chief Tim Thompson has attempted find a compromise or to postpone the action without success, White said.

Mohawks have held three demonstrations near the customs house since May 1, and as many as 400 gathered there Sunday as the June 1 deadline approached.

STILL CLOSED

Just before midnight Monday, Canadian Customs pulled its agents off the job and closed the bridge.

Only emergency-medical vehicles and pedestrian traffic are allowed to cross.

“It has been and continues to be our community’s desire to seek a peaceful resolution to our concerns that does not involve the disruption of traffic or the closing of the Three Nations bridge crossing,” Thompson said in a statement Tuesday.

“The closures have been the result of actions initiated by CBSA officers. We want to express our disappointment and frustration (for) the lack of cooperation received from federal officials.

“Regardless, we have and will continue to pursue peaceful means to address our community’s concerns.”

E-mail Denise A. Raymo at:

draymo@pressrepublican.com